Who Are the Assiniboine?
The Assiniboine (also Nakoda/Nakota) are a Siouan-speaking people of the northern Plains, numbering approximately 15,000 in the United States (Fort Peck and Fort Belknap, Montana) and Canada (multiple reserves in Alberta and Saskatchewan). Their English name derives from Ojibwe "Asiniibwaan" meaning "Stone People" or "Those Who Cook with Stones"—referring to their cooking technique. They call themselves "Nakoda" or "Nakota." The Assiniboine separated from the Yanktonai Sioux centuries ago, becoming allies of the Cree and enemies of other Sioux divisions—a unique position among Siouan peoples of the Plains.
Separation and Alliance
According to oral tradition, the Assiniboine separated from the Yanktonai Sioux following a dispute, moving north and west to ally with the Cree. This separation—occurring perhaps 400-500 years ago—created a new identity. The Assiniboine adopted elements of Cree culture while maintaining Siouan language. They became enemies of their Sioux relatives, fighting alongside the Cree in conflicts over territory and trade. This unusual position—Siouan speakers allied against other Sioux—shaped their distinct identity. The Assiniboine became major participants in the northern fur trade, supplied by Hudson's Bay Company.
Smallpox Catastrophe
The 1837-38 smallpox epidemic devastated the Assiniboine. Some estimates suggest 4,000 of 5,000 Assiniboine died—an 80% mortality rate. This catastrophe, occurring just as American expansion reached the northern Plains, left survivors unable to resist encroachment. The Assiniboine were confined to reservations in Montana alongside former enemies (Sioux at Fort Peck, Gros Ventre at Fort Belknap). Canadian Assiniboine were placed on multiple small reserves across the prairies. The epidemic's timing meant the Assiniboine never participated in the armed resistance that defined Lakota history.
Contemporary Assiniboine
Modern Assiniboine navigate shared governance with other nations. At Fort Peck, Montana, Assiniboine and Sioux share tribal government—complex given historical enmity. At Fort Belknap, Assiniboine and Gros Ventre (Aaniiih) similarly share administration. Canadian Assiniboine communities operate separately across Alberta and Saskatchewan. Language preservation is critical; Nakoda dialects have limited speakers. Traditional practices, including the Sun Dance, continue. Oil and gas development on Fort Peck provides some revenue. How Assiniboine maintain distinct identity while sharing governance with former enemies, and bridge US-Canadian divisions, shapes this stone people's future on their northern Plains homeland.
References
- DeMallie, R. J. & Miller, D. R. (2001). \"Assiniboine\" (Handbook of North American Indians, Vol. 13)
- Rodnick, D. (1938). The Fort Belknap Assiniboine of Montana
- Long, J. A. (1961). The Assiniboines: From the Accounts of the Old Ones